Municipal Buildings

These spectacular, Italianate buildings were finished in 1886 and the Victoria Tower can be seen dominating the skyline. The buildings remain uncompleted to this day as a local man, Robert Cowan, refused to sell his business in front of the tower. As a result, his shop was inserted into one corner but was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1941, leaving the unusual effect still seen today. This area has become known as 'Cowan's Corner'. These days the Municipal Buildings include the Town Hall and various Council offices.